Here at H&G, we spend countless hours garnering interior inspo via our screens, that is, from celebs' social media pages and films/TV shows. One figure who bridges the two is none other than rom-com filmmaker (and cult-favorite home stylist) Nancy Meyers.
The Something's Gotta Give and The Holiday director is no stranger to creating cozy and appealing interiors in her movies, so naturally, her Instagram page is a treasure trove of home ideas, with plenty of snaps of her California property on display.
The latest? A peek into her 'butler’s pantry,' which, according to the caption, features 'No butler. Just pantry.' Most notably, she has personalized her space with wall art, cookbooks, and antique accessories, providing visual stimulation and practical organization methods all in one. Needless to say, it's giving us some pantry ideas that are refreshingly easy to follow.
While pantries may be thought of as simple spaces to store dry goods, experts say that making them feel true to one's indivudal tastes with decor is a fantastic way to make the space feel even cozier and visually pleasing.
'Incorporate elements that reflect your style into your pantry,' suggests Westchester-based deesigner Nina Lichtenstein. 'Consider adding a small rug or mat with a pattern that ties into your kitchen decor. Install under-shelf lighting to brighten the space and highlight your carefully curated storage solutions. Even a simple touch like a decorative basket for storing reusable bags can add personality and charm.'
While kitchen storage solutions are primarily practical, Lichtenstein says that there is no reason that units cannot be stylish.
'Elevate your pantry's look with decorative storage containers,' she suggests. 'Choose matching glass jars with wooden lids, sleek metal canisters, or labeled ceramic containers. These not only keep ingredients fresh but also create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing arrangement on your shelves.'
We can see that Meyers has opted for a wicker tray to house her antique silver teacups and bowls, which add a nice element of texture and contrast against the metallic pieces.
The artwork in Meyers' pantry is also a clear highlight, adding some color to the otherwise bare, white wall. Lichtenstein says there are a couple of ways to approach decorating the walls of a pantry.
'Personalize your pantry with a touch of wall art or a patterned backsplash,' she says. 'A simple framed print or a peel-and-stick wallpaper can bring color and character to an otherwise utilitarian space.'
To take it to the next level, she recommends labeling any jars or containers for both easy access and a uniform look.
She continues, 'Custom labels add both function and flair. Opt for stylish fonts and colors that complement your kitchen’s decor. Label everything from spices to snacks, making it easy to find what you need while keeping the space looking polished.' For a Meyers-inspired starting point, we love these accessories below. The wicker tray is particularly inspired by the filmmaker's space.
Perfect for condiments or even ice cream, this silver bowl is effortless and elegant.
Cheeky and chic, this art print is a lovely breakfast companion.
Add some texture to a pantry with this woven tray, featuring helpful handles.
We recommend mixing materials (for example, silverware on a wicker tray) to keep a pantry looking interesting. However, storage is key, so ensure that a variety of jars, baskets, and containers are in place to keep a pantry looking tidy.
